I also had a tumor which all the surgeons felt was very close to the anus but in reality wasn't. My tumor started a little higher up and grew downwards so that it 'appeared' to be a very low tumor. I'm not saying that that is the case with your tumor....only that it is a possibility.
Next, please make 100% certain that your surgeon (you have time here on this....don't fret about it right this minute) is a BOARD CERTIFIED colorectal surgeon, particularly if you are dealing with a low tumor. Too often, general surgeons, who are quite capable of doing the surgery, will tell you that they are colorectal surgeons. Please just take the time to verify that your surgeon is board certified in COLON and RECTAL surgery....and not just general surgeons. Below is the link to verify a surgeon.
http://www.abcrs.org/verify-a-physician-2/Finally, I was told by one surgeon that I had an 80% chance of having a permanent colostomy, another surgeon gave me an 50-50% chance and I just wasn't willing to accept that....particularly when I was flat out told (and I understand the reasoning....didn't make it any easier though) that I wouldn't know what was going to happen until after I got out of surgery. In my case, I also had a 100% complete pathological response to chemoradiation (not the same as complete clinical response...close but not the same) which was an added benefit. I opted out of the LAR surgery (standard of care) and instead opted for the transanal excision surgery. It isn't for everyone and many surgeons aren't for it. It requires a ton of followup (more than with the LAR surgery) but I am so happy that I went that route.
As for can you work during chemoradiation....you should be able to but everyone handles the treatments differently. I will also tell you that, IMO, radiation oncologists tend to omit many of the potential side effects and particularly tend to omit those that affect the female population. I was aware of them prior to starting my treatment and did everything in my power to avoid/minimize them which I did. The alternative of trying to 'fix' the problem months or even a year+ later isn't a viable option, IMO. Don't let the rad oncs poo poo (no pun intended) any of your questions/concerns about vaginal scarring, vaginal stenosis, side effects (burning, etc.) and particularly don't accept the line that IF side effects happen they will deal with them then. WRONG!
I might also suggest that you speak with your medical oncologist (the one who will Rx the chemo) about taking the pill form during chemoradiation....a drug called Xeloda. It is now considered 'standard of care' and, IMO, is much better for the 5.5 weeks of chemoradiation than the pump 24/7. Unless you absolutely know that you won't remember to take the pills twice daily and/or you have an issue with swallowing pills (they are big), push for it. Studies all show no difference in efficacy between the pump and Xeloda and not being tethered to a pump 24/7 (or in some cases 24/5) is so much better for the duration of your treatments. Know your options and push for what is best for you.
Jaynee